Mortgage guides
Understand mortgage payments, fees and common questions when moving home.
Understand the loan's payment method, rate, term and fees before comparing figures. A mortgage calculator can illustrate your assumptions, but a lender's assessment and the actual contract determine what borrowing is available and on what terms.
Explore the numbers
Use the repayment calculator to compare a balance, rate and term. The deal comparison and overpayment tool show how entered fees and payment choices affect an illustration.
The guides below explain the terminology and help prepare questions for a lender or suitably authorised adviser. They do not recommend a particular mortgage or promise approval.
Agreement in principle explained
Explain its role, limitations and place in the buying process.
Read the guide MortgagesFixed, variable and tracker mortgages
Compare how different rate structures affect uncertainty and payments.
Read the guide MortgagesHow mortgages work
Explain repayment structure, deposits, terms and the main stages in plain English.
Read the guide MortgagesMortgage affordability explained
Explain the difference between an illustrative budget and a lender's actual affordability decision.
Read the guide MortgagesMortgage term and monthly payments
Show how term length affects monthly payments and total interest under stated assumptions.
Read the guide MortgagesMoving home with an existing mortgage
Explain the questions around redemption, porting and additional borrowing.
Read the guide MortgagesOverpayments and early repayment charges
Explain how overpayments work and why product-specific limits and charges matter.
Read the guide MortgagesPreparing for a mortgage application
Organise information and questions to discuss with a lender or adviser.
Read the guide MortgagesRemortgaging around a house move
Explore the timing questions to discuss when both a move and mortgage change are possible.
Read the guide MortgagesSelf-employed mortgage preparation
Help self-employed buyers organise records and questions for a suitable adviser.
Read the guide MortgagesUnderstanding mortgage rates and fees
Compare total costs over a chosen period and explain which assumptions matter.
Read the guideTurn your reading into a plan. Put the next steps on your personal moving checklist. Create your checklist